معرفی
Dr. Ashley Hedrick McKenzie is an Assistant Professor of Health Communication in the Department of Communication at Clemson University's College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences. Her research focuses on the intersection of health communication, sexual health, and digital interventions, with an emphasis on changing attitudes and behaviors through online platforms.
Dr. McKenzie's educational background includes:
- Ph.D. in Media and Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2021)
- Postdoctoral Fellowship in Cancer Control and Research Training Program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (2022)
- M.A. in Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2018)
- Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies and English from Clemson University (2016)
Her primary research interests lie in understanding how attitudes and beliefs—such as stigma, gender role ideologies, victim blaming, and rape myths—impact sexual health outcomes including cervical and breast cancer prevention, sexual violence prevention, HIV prevention, and human trafficking education. She is particularly known for leveraging online spaces and digital health interventions to foster positive changes in health attitudes and behaviors. Her work often involves social media analysis and the development of online interventions targeting youth and young adults.
Analysis of Dr. McKenzie's recent publications reveals a strong focus on HPV vaccination communication on social media platforms, sexual consent in online fan communities, and cancer support through digital means. Her work bridges health communication, gender studies, and digital media, with a consistent theme of addressing health disparities and promoting equity through innovative communication strategies.
Dr. McKenzie has received recognition for her scholarly work, including:
- Outstanding Journal Publication (2023) from the College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences at Clemson University
While specific details about her advising and grant activities are not publicly available, her research program demonstrates a commitment to translating communication theory into practical health interventions. She is affiliated with Clemson's Center for Research on Health Disparities and has collaborated with institutions such as the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
